Like Water Rolling Off A Duck's Back

Janet Bealer Rodie, Assistant Editor

G reensboro, N.C.-based Galey & Lord Inc. is using new cutting-edge technology to give
its cotton fabrics permanent water repellence and stain and wrinkle resistance. The venerable
fabric manufacturer has recently been licensed to use technology developed by Nano-Tex LLC, also
based in Greensboro, in its fabrics for the bottomswear market
(See K/A News, ATI, February 2001).

Nano-Tex, a privately held research company with majority ownership by Burlington Industries
Inc., Burlington, N.C., develops nanotechnology for use in textiles. By means of polymer chemistry
applications, nanoparticles are permanently attached to cotton or synthetic fibers. The change
occurs at the molecular level, and the particles can be configured to imbue the fabric with various
attributes.

“Nanotechnology combines the performance characteristics associated with synthetics with the
hand and feel of cotton,” said Delores Sides, director of corporate communications, Burlington. She
cited its application for everyday fabrics used in business and casual wear.

Through Nano-Care technology, nano-whiskers are attached to individual cotton fibers. The
whiskers cause liquids to roll off the fabric.

Nano-Care™ For Cotton Through Nano-Tex’s Nano-Care™ technology for cotton, “nano-whiskers” 1/1000 the size of a
typical cotton fiber are attached to the individual fibers. The changes to the fibers are
undetectable and do not affect the natural hand and breathability of the fabric. The whiskers cause
liquids to roll off the fabric. Semi-solids such as ketchup or salad dressing sit on the surface,
are easily lifted off and cause minimal staining, which should be removed with laundering.

The attributes provided by Nano-Care have traditionally been added by the use of coatings,
which affect the fabric’s inherent qualities, or by other treatments that eventually wash or fade
away. While Nano-Care provides the above attributes, it also allows moisture to pass through the
fabric, which is quick-drying as well.

Galey & Lord is the first cotton fabric manufacturer to be licensed by Nano-Tex to use
Nano-Care in its products.

“We are excited to be a part of this exciting new technology,” said Arthur C. Wiener,
chairman and CEO, Galey & Lord. “Our partnership with Nano-Tex will expand our ability to
provide innovative products to our customers. We believe the extraordinary performance of these
products will have strong appeal to consumers.”

The first fabrics — 8-ounce combed and carded 3x1 twills — have recently been introduced,
and the company has shown them to all of its major customers, which include some of the top names
in sportswear The response has been excellent, according to Robert J. McCormack, president, Galey
& Lord. In the coming months, consumers can expect to see pants and skirts made from the new
fabrics in retail stores at a cost about $5 higher than those made from non-treated fabrics.

McCormack mentioned the advantages of the fabrics for golfers and others who might find
themselves, perhaps unexpectedly, out in the rain or other inclement weather. Because the fabric
sheds water like a duck’s feathers, the wearer will stay dry, at least as far as he or she is
covered by the garment.

Other Nano-Fabrics On The Market Nano-Tex has also developed Nano-Dry™ technology to provide wickability and
moisture-absorption properties for nylon and polyester fabrics. Nano-Dry is being introduced in
synthetic fabrics produced by Burlington PerformanceWear. Among the applications for these fabrics
is high-performance outerwear.

Sides mentioned using the technology in uniform fabrics because of its comfort aspects.
Research is progressing on other products as well.